Ziegler Cooper

Ziegler Cooper Architects gets a double shoutout today: Its 25k SF office at Bank of America Plaza is pretty spiffy. Founding principal Scott Ziegler tells us the firm has been looking for a studio space for 25 years,but its been hard to pinpoint one that fits the firms needs in a good location. He says the new office with its 65 cathedral ceiling (see next pic) is inspiring (though a real pain if you lose a balloon). ZCA moved in January, and Scott says dialogue has increased immensely since, employees dress more fashionably and bring friends and family by the office, and recruiting is easier.

Scott says the light changes all day, which presented a challengehow do you light such a huge space when its dark outside? The answer: The firm created museum walls that beam light up to the ceiling so it bounces down into the room. ZCA wanted an open and collaborative space, so it created benches like a trading floor with collaborative oval tables in between. Theyre also flexible workspaces: ZCA can slide stations down and add or cut as needed. (Scott says he sees most of his office clients going in this direction.)

The office also features the 1,200 SF ZCA Caf, which Scott says brings the office together; hes had lunch here with employees he hadnt spent time with in 15 years. Other nifty areas are an innovation lounge and critics corner where architects can display current projects for critique; a 50-person meeting room with a projection screen and Wolf Blitzer-esque fingerpainting monitor; and a light lab where ZCA can show clients how materials look under various lighting. Scott tells us fun office perks include a fruit vendor and a masseuse who offers 10-minute neck/shoulder massages. The office is expected to receive LEED Gold.